Chapter 4 Vocab

Question 1

Alternating Current (AC)

Answer 1

Electrical current that changes direction in cycles as the electric potential from the source changes.

Question 2

Automatic Exposure Control (AEC)

Answer 2

A device that uses an ionization chamber to detect the quantity of radiation exposing the patient and image receptor.

Question 3

Conductor

Answer 3

Material with an abundance of free electrons allowing free flow of electricity

Question 4

Current

Answer 4

An expression of the flow of electrons in a conductor

Question 5

Direct Current

Answer 5

A type of electrical current that flows in only one direction.

Question 6

Electric Potential

Answer 6

The ability to do work because of a separation of charges.

Question 7

Electrodynamics

Answer 7

The study of electrical charges in motion

Question 8

Electromagnetic Induction

Answer 8

The phenomenon of a moving conductor through a magnetic field, inducing an electric current in that conductor.

Question 9

Electromagnetism

Answer 9

The phenomenon of electricity and magnetism existing as two parts of the same basic force, electromotive force. A magnetic field is created by a flow of electricity, and a flow of electricity creates a magnetic field.

Question 10

Electrostatics

Answer 10

The study of stationary electric charges.

Question 11

Filament Circuit

Answer 11

Section of the x-ray circuit that consists of a rheostat, a step-down transformer made of tungsten with 1-2% thorium added.

Question 12

Generators

Answer 12

Device that converts some form of mechanical energy into electrical energy

Question 13

Insulator

Answer 13

Material with very few free electrons prohibiting the flow of electricity.

Question 14

Magnetism

Answer 14

The ability of a material to attract iron, cobalt, or nickel.

Question 15

Motors

Answer 15

A device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy through electromagnetic induction

Question 16

Primary Circuit

Answer 16

Section of the x-ray circuit that consists of the main power switch (connected to the incoming power supply), circuit breakers, the autotransformer, the timer circuit, and the primary side of the step-up transformer.

Question 17

Resistance

Answer 17

The property of an element in a circuit that resists or impedes the flow of electricity

Question 18

Secondary Circuit

Answer 18

Section of the x-ray circuit that consists of the secondary side of the step-up transformer, the mA meter, a rectifier bank, and the x-ray tube (except for the filaments.)

Question 19

Transformers

Answer 19

Device used to increase or decrease voltage (or current) through electromagnetic induction.